Waiter and Waitress Salary in Kansas
Based on 19K+ workers in Kansas
Median Annual Salary (KS)
$36,120
$17.37/hr
vs National Average
$33,965
+6.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$17K – $63K
19K employed in Kansas
The median Waiter and Waitress salary in Kansas is $36,120 per year, which breaks down to approximately $17 per hour. This figure is 6.3% higher than the national average for this occupation. With nearly 20,000 individuals employed in this role across the state, it's a significant part of the service industry workforce.
Several factors can influence how much a Waiter or Waitress earns in Kansas. Experience, the specific establishment, location within the state, and the volume of tips received all play a crucial role. The salary range can vary significantly, from $17,370 at the lower end to $62,890 for those in higher-paying positions.
Salary Distribution — Waiter and Waitress in Kansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $17,370 |
| 25th percentile | $26,830 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $36,120 |
| 75th percentile | $47,690 |
| 90th percentile | $62,890 |
Top-Paying Industries for Waiter and Waitress (U.S.)
Which industries pay Waiter and Waitresss the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Waiter and Waitresss in Kansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $79,660 | — |
| Administrative and Support Services | $37,090 | 16K |
| Educational Services | $36,680 | 780 |
| Manufacturing | $36,380 | 18K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $36,090 | 6K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Waiter and Waitress in Kansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kansas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,120 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,204 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,120 | $33,965 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,204 | $34,984 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $26,830 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $36,120 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $47,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,890 |
Waiter and Waitress Salary in Other States
Related Waiter and Waitress Salaries in Kansas
How other high-demand occupations in Kansas compare to Waiter and Waitress ($36,120 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Waiter and Waitress | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Cook in KS | $35,130 | -2.7% | $16.89/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in KS | $27,580 | -23.6% | $13.26/hr |
| Receptionist in KS | $36,050 | -0.2% | $17.33/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in KS | $35,450 | -1.9% | $17.04/hr |
| Security Guard in KS | $37,080 | +2.7% | $17.83/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in KS | $38,010 | +5.2% | $18.27/hr |
| Medical Assistant in KS | $39,510 | +9.4% | $19.00/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in KS | $39,770 | +10.1% | $19.12/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in KS | $32,180 | -10.9% | $15.47/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in KS | $40,320 | +11.6% | $19.38/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in KS | $31,260 | -13.5% | $15.03/hr |
| Tutor in KS | $41,290 | +14.3% | $19.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Kansas?
- The median salary for a Waiter and Waitress in Kansas is $36,120 annually, or about $17 per hour. This is higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Kansas?
- The salary range for Waiters and Waitresses in Kansas spans from $17,370 on the lower end to $62,890 on the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience and location.
How many Waiters and Waitresses are employed in Kansas?
- There are approximately 19,480 Waiters and Waitresses employed in Kansas. This indicates a substantial number of jobs within the food service industry.
Is the Waiter and Waitress salary in Kansas higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Waiter and Waitress salary in Kansas is 6.3% higher than the national average. The median annual salary of $36,120 reflects this positive difference.